Kilroy, Democrats surprised by GOP's lack of candidate

After losing the 15th Congressional District race to incumbent Republican Deborah Pryce by less than a half-percent in 2006, Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy was prepared for a bare-knuckle rematch next year.

After losing the 15th Congressional District race to incumbent Republican Deborah Pryce by less than a half-percent in 2006, Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy was prepared for a bare-knuckle rematch next year.

Never did Kilroy imagine that at this point her opponent would be named "Unknown."

"I was prepared to run a strong and winning race against the incumbent candidate."

Pryce's decision to forgo the race shocked Kilroy and officials of both parties who view the 15th District as a must-win in the fight for control of the House.

"There were a number of Republicans we expected to retire. (Former Speaker) Dennis Hastert was one of them, but Deborah Pryce was not in that category," said Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Van Hollen, in town yesterday to headline a $250-per-person fundraiser for Kilroy attended by more than 50 at a Downtown restaurant, smiled at the Democrats' good fortune so far in the 15th District. Not only did Pryce opt out, but Kilroy avoided a costly March 4 primary when fellow Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks decided not to run.

"We're very pleased this has resolved itself the way it did as quickly as it did," Van Hollen said.

Even so, Kilroy and the DCCC, which funneled

$1.7 million to her campaign in 2006, now must prepare for a Republican candidate yet to be identified. Almost a half-dozen top-tier Republicans, including former Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka and former Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro, have spurned overtures to run for the seat.

As she did in 2006, Kilroy had planned to contrast her stand against the Iraq war with Pryce's votes in favor of the war and other policies of President Bush. But now Kilroy likely will face a candidate with no voting record on the war and who is more difficult to attach to the hip of an unpopular president.

"It just gives me the opportunity in this environment to really set forth an agenda that I would like to see happen in Washington and to put things out there in a positive way," Kilroy said.

Van Hollen called the 15th District race "one of the top races in the country," and said it was included in about 60 House seats in play next year. Also among them is the Republican-leaning 18th District, where Van Hollen said the Democrats will fight to retain freshman Rep. Zack Space.

"The good news is that the political environment nationally remains very strong for Democrats," Van Hollen said.

Franklin County Republican Chairman Doug Preisse said the GOP will field a candidate who can beat Kilroy.

"If the Democrats want to run a retread, that's fine," Preisse said. "I don't know why they think the voters of the 15th District will find her more attractive this time around. As long as Mary Jo Kilroy is their candidate, we're in pretty good shape."